Lip enhancement and enlargement device

ABSTRACT

A lip enhancement and enlargement device includes a suction element and a lip shaper coupled to the suction element. A lip shaper may include one or more features that allow the device to shape and contour lips. A lip shaper may include one or more contouring elements that change the shape of an upper lip, for example. A lip shaper may also include shaping and contouring elements that form a fuller, unitary lip lobe or two fuller, lip lobes. Lip enhancement and enlargement kits and methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/732,417, filed Jun. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,868, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/586,758, filed Aug. 15,2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,119,758, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/524,157, filed Aug. 16, 2011,which applications are hereby incorporated by reference, in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to lip enhancement and enlargementdevices, kits, and methods.

2. Background

Lip size and shape are facial features, which directly impactattractiveness levels. Many believe a person's lips and smile to be anindicator of beauty. Full lips, especially in Western cultures, areconsidered attractive. Some suggest that the trend towards fuller lipsdeveloped because lips become less full with age. As one ages,gravitational effects and atrophy of tissue and muscles on andsurrounding the lips often lead to lips which appear deflated anddisproportionate. Fuller lips, however, are often associated with ahealthy lifestyle, youth, and beauty.

In one study, it was found that men give more attention to women withfuller lips. Women having “luscious pouts” were found to attract moreattention from men compared to thin-lipped women. In this same study,lips were found to represent one of the most sensual areas on a woman'sbody and serve as a biological indicator of a woman's health andfertility.

Because of the trend toward fuller lips, many go to considerable lengthsto enhance lip shape and size. Therefore, several procedures and deviceshave been developed to enlarge lips and change lip shape. Lipaugmentation, for example, is used frequently in surgical andnon-surgical procedures to increase lip fullness. These proceduresinclude injecting and implanting various types of materials into thelips.

But, many risks are associated with lip augmentation. Lips can beoverfilled with injected materials. Allergic reactions to anestheticsand injected and implanted materials can occur, resulting in redness,swelling, itching, etc. Abnormal lip shapes may develop, e.g. troutpout, duck lips, sausage lips, fish lips, etc. Bruising and scarring mayoccur at injection and surgical sites. Implants may move and/or breakthrough skin. Nonetheless, many are still willing to bear these risks.

In addition to these known risks, lip augmentation is consideredextremely expensive by many. Costs for an injection can easily rangefrom five hundred to one thousand dollars (US$). Because lip fullnesswill decrease over time, additional sessions—totaling multiple thousandsof dollars—may be required to maintain fuller lips.

Because of the multitude of risks associated with lip augmentation, somehave turned to using a nonsurgical device, commonly known as a lip pump,to increase lip size. These types of lip enlargement devices use someform of suction, i.e. negative pressure, applied over both lips toincrease blood flow and cause lip size to temporarily increase. Althoughuseful for their intended purpose, currently available lip pumps canhave negative side effects. After use, some lip pumps will leaveunattractive marks, bruising, indentations, and grooves around a user'slip area. In addition, some lip pumps continuously apply suction to bothlips. Unfortunately, these types of lip pumps can cause misshaped lipsand fail to address various lip problems. A user who only wants toincrease a smaller lower lip, for example, may come away with a “ducky”upper lip that appears similar to a duck bill.

Considering the limitations of known lip pumps and the numerous risksassociated with lip augmentation, the need for improved lip enhancementand enlargement devices is clear. The present invention fulfills thisneed and provides further related advantages, as described in thefollowing summary.

SUMMARY

Each type of lip enhancement and enlargement device disclosed hereinincludes a suction element and at least one lip shaper coupled to thesuction element. A lip shaper may, however, be included in a lip shaperassembly having one or more shapers, specific to the upper and/or lowerlips or sections of the upper and/or lower lips. Each lip shaper,however, includes features that allow the lip enhancement andenlargement device to shape and contour a user's lips.

A lip shaper may include one or more contouring elements that change theshape of a user's lip(s). Various types of lip shapers may be includedin the lip shaper assembly, depending on the shaping and contouringdesired by a user. One type of lower lip shaper may be configured toform a fuller, unitary lower lip lobe, while another type of lip shapermay be configured to form two fuller, lower lip lobes, using a creaserelement coupled to the lower lip shaper. Also a central platform may becoupled to either a lip shaper such that the upper and lower lips are atleast partially separated during use of the lip enhancement andenlargement device.

Each type of lip enhancement and enlargement device may also include oneor more additional components that relate to device assembly, and whichalleviate potential side effects of applying negative pressure to lips.For example, after insertion of a lip shaper assembly into an openingdefined in the suction element, a retainer element may be positionedaround an outer face of the suction element to hold the lip shaperassembly securely in place. Each device may also include a markprevention element positioned around at least one outer face of a lipshaper. The mark prevention element may be manufactured from a flexiblematerial, such as silicone, which helps to prevent marks, bruises, andindentations during and after device use. A cover may also be includedwith each device for decorative and protection purposes. A blockerelement is another optional component, which may be inserted into acavity of the lip shaper assembly to alleviate negative pressure on aportion of the upper and lower lips.

Also disclosed herein is a lip enhancement and enlargement kit which caninclude a suction element, an upper lip shaper, and a first type oflower lip shaper disposed at least partially within a package. The kitmay include a second type of lower lip shaper, a retainer element, amark prevention element, a cosmetic and a cover at least partiallydisposed within the package.

Methods for lip enhancement and enlargement include inserting one orboth lips of a user into a lip enhancement and enlargement device havinga lip shaper coupled to a suction element; pressurizing the suctionelement to apply partial vacuum pressure to at least a portion of one orboth lips and seal around a surrounding lip area; breaking the seal fromthe surrounding lip area; and removing the lip enhancement andenlargement device from the surrounding lip area. The suction elementmay be pressurized, using any known method, including manualpressurization.

A more complete understanding of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevices, kits, and methods disclosed herein will be afforded to thoseskilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantagesand objects thereof, by consideration of the following detaileddescription. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawingswhich will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Like elementnumerals may be used to indicate like elements appearing in one or moreof the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice, being held by a user.

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary view of a face after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 2B shows an exemplary view of lip structure and lip tissue.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 3B is a partially exploded perspective view of the lip enhancementand enlargement device shown in FIG. 3A, excluding a mark preventionelement.

FIG. 3C is a partially exploded perspective view of the lip enhancementand enlargement device shown in FIG. 3A, including a mark preventionelement.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lip enhancement andenlargement device.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 4A, showing alignment of a blocking element with anupper cavity.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 4A, showing alignment of a blocking element with alower cavity.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 4A with a mark prevention element.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view a second embodiment of a lip enhancementand enlargement device.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 5A, showing alignment of a blocking element with anupper cavity.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 5A, showing alignment of a blocking element with alower cavity.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the upper section of the lipenhancement and enlargement device shown in FIG. 5A with a markprevention element.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper lip shaper.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first type of a lower lip shaper.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second type of a lower lip shaper.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 9 is rear perspective view of the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a lip enhancement and enlargementkit.

FIGS. 11A-11C are perspective views of a user, applying a lipenhancement and enlargement method, using a lip enhancement andenlargement device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart, showing steps of a lip enhancement andenlargement method.

FIG. 13A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 13B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 14A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 14B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 15B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 16A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 16B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 17A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 17B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 18A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 18B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 19A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 19B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 20A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 20B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 21A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 21B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 22A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 22B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 23A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 23B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 24A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 24B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 25A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 25B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 26A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 26B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 27A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 27B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 28A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 28B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 29A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 29B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 30A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 30B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 31A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 31B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 32A is a front view of a user before application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

FIG. 32B is a front view of a user after application of a lipenhancement and enlargement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a lip enhancement andenlargement device 10 being held by a user 12. Each type of lipenhancement and enlargement device 10, 100 (FIGS. 5A-5C) includes asuction element 14 and a lip shaper 50, 52 a, 52 b (FIGS. 11A-11C) thatmay be included in a lip shaper assembly 16 coupled to the suctionelement. Although the lip shaper 60 is depicted as having a perimeterring in a circular shape, it should be appreciated that other perimetershapes may also be useful, for example, elliptical shapes. When a user12 places his/her lips inside a lip shaper assembly and activates asuction element, the device enlarges and enhances the user's lipstructure 22 by creating a seal around the surrounding lip area 18 andapplying a partial vacuum to lip tissue 20 and lip structure 22 (FIG.2B). Specifically, the suction element 14 is configured to apply suctionforces to lip tissue 20 and lip structure 22 such that at least aportion of lip tissue and structure extends into at least one lipshaper. Because of these forces, blood circulation in the lip areaincreases, causing swelling and enlargement of lips.

Elements included within a lip shaper and/or a lip shaper assembly,however, are not limited to elements that cause lip enlargement. Lipshapers and lip shaper assemblies can include various elements, whichcorrect misshaped lips and/or mismatched lips, alleviate the potentialfor lip misshaping associated with lip enlargement devices (e.g. lippumps), and assist with the development of specific lip features.Depending on the configuration of a lip shaper 50, 52 a, 52 b (FIGS.11A-11C), and lip shaper assembly 16, specific portions of lip structure22 can be shaped, according to user preference. Although the lip shapers50, 52 a, 52 b are depicted as generally circular at their outerperimeters, it should be appreciated that lip shapers with ellipticalouter perimeters may also be useful. In addition, or in the alternative,the size of a lip shaper may be smaller or larger than depicted herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, as used herein, lip structure 22 includes, butis not limited to: upper lip vermillion 24, upper lip tubercle 25, lowerlip vermillion 26, vermillion border 28, Cupid's bow 30, philtrum 31,and left and right oral commissures 32, 34. The upper and lower lipvermillion 24, 26 refer to areas on the upper and lower lip areas, whichare surrounded by the vermillion border 28. These areas, on someindividual appear reddish or darker than the surrounding lip area 18.The Cupid's bow is the double curve of the upper lip, which is said toresemble the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of erotic love. The peaks ofthe bow substantially coincide with the philtral columns 36 giving abowlike appearance to the lip. Through use of lip enhancement andenlargement devices 10, 100 one or more of these and other elements oflip structure 22 may be affected.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of one configuration of a lip enhancementand enlargement device 10. In this configuration, the device includes asuction element 14, a lip shaper assembly 16, a retainer element 38, amark prevention element 40, and a cover 42. The suction element 14 maybe any device configured to apply partial negative pressure to liptissue 20 and lip structure 22. As such, the suction element may be anytype of pump or pumping device that can create a partial vacuum. In FIG.3A, the suction element 14 includes one or more elastomeric materials,which cause the suction element to yield upon application of force toits outer surface 44. For this type of suction element, preferredmaterials include one or more elastomeric materials, e.g. various typesof natural and synthetic rubbers and thermoplastic materials such asSANTOPRENE™ thermoplastic vulcanizate. An elastomeric suction elementmay be hand-pressurized; however, it may also be pressurized by anyknown method or device capable of creating a partial vacuum, e.g.methods and devices that initiate mechanical and/or electricalpressurization. Where the suction element is not manually orhand-driven, it may be coupled to a power source (not shown), forexample, an electric power source that receives charges from an electricmotor, battery, or solar element. Suction elements, as described herein,preferably have an opening 46 for coupling to a lip shaper assembly 16.

FIGS. 3A-5C show various views of lip enhancement and enlargementdevices 10, 100. These configurations can include optional components,which can facilitate device assembly, alleviate potential side effectsand/or lend to the aesthetic appearance of the lip enhancement andenlargement devices. Referring particularly to FIG. 3A, a lipenhancement and enlargement device can also include also a retainerelement 38, a mark prevention element 40, and a cover 42. The lower andupper lip shapers 50, 52 a are positioned against each other to form thelip shaper assembly 16. Upon assembly, the upper and lower lip shapersare inserted into opening 46 of the suction element 14. The retainerelement 38 is configured to retain the lip shaper assembly 16 in theopening 46, by positioning the element around an outer face 39 of thesuction element. The retainer element is preferably manufactured from aflexible material, e.g. an elastomeric material or spring metal suchthat a user may remove the retainer element 38, allowing for removal ofthe lip shaper assembly and replacement of the second type of lower lipshaper 52 b for the first type of lower lip shaper 52 a. In deviceconfigurations where replacement of alternative lip shapers is not anoption, a retainer element may be excluded from the device. In thesetypes of configurations, a lip shaper assembly 16 may be coupled to asuction element using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or other methodsor devices that allow the lip shaper assembly to be held within opening46. Although the lip shaper assembly is shown have a substantiallycircular outer surface, alternative shapes for the assembly may beimplemented. For examples, a lip shaper assembly may have an ellipticalouter shape.

A lip enhancement and enlargement device may also include a markprevention element 40, which is configured to prevent marks, grooves,and/or indentations that could be formed on the surrounding lip area 18(FIG. 1), during application of the device. See also FIGS. 11A-11C(showing a lip enhancement and enlargement device in use). The markprevention element 40 is configured for placement around outer faces 41the lip shaper assembly 16, as particularly shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, 4D,and 5C. The mark prevention element 40 also includes a concave area 54,defining an opening 56. The mark prevention element 40 is manufacturedfrom one or more flexible materials such that a device 10, 100 leavesminimal or relatively little indentations, markings, grooves, and/orbruises on a user's skin after use of the device. Preferred materialscomprise up to 100% of elastomeric materials, including various types ofrubber-based and silicone-based products which are food and/or medicalgrade.

The cover 42 is an optional component which can serve to protect the lipshaper assembly during storage and transport, for example. One or morefastening elements 58, such as threads or tangs, may also be disposedwithin the cover 42 such that the cover securely and removably engageswith one or more mating elements 59, e.g. mating threads or notches, onthe lip shaper assembly 16 (FIG. 3A). Preferably, the cover 42 has asize and shape that lends to the aesthetic appearance of a lipenhancement and enlargement device. FIGS. 8 and 9 show one deviceconfiguration in which a fully assembled device looks like an apple,with the cover 42 and suction element appearing to be halves of anapple. One or more decorative elements may also be included within thesuction element and/or the cover for aesthetic purposes. FIG. 8, forexample, shows a stem-shaped element 64 incorporated into a section ofthe suction element 14. The cover 42 also includes a recess 66 whichlends to the aesthetic appearance of the device. Although the outerappearance of the lip enhancement and enlargement devices shown hereinhas an apple-like shape, the device can potentially have any shape.Preferably, the shape is such that the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice appears to be a decorative item suitable for placement on abookshelf or desk. For example, the overall outer appearance of a lipenhancement and enlargement device may look similar to a piece of fruit,knickknack or other decorative element.

Each type of lip shaper includes features for enhancement andenlargement of lip tissue 20 and/or lip structure 22 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) andprevention of lip misshaping and development of marks, indentations,and/or bruising after use of a lip enhancement and enlargement device.Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 6, the upper lip shaper 50 includes arear wall 68 that prevents excessive pulling of the upper lip, andparticularly excessive pulling of the upper lip tubercle 25 (FIG. 2B).This type of pulling is known to cause a “ducky” upper lip. The rearwall 68 can be adjustable and/or deformable such that its positioning inthe lip shaper 50 may be changed. The upper lip shaper 50 also includesat least one radiused contouring element 62, which acts to shape upperlip structure, including the Cupid's bow and the philtrum. Thecontouring element 62 can extend fully or partially around an edge ofthe upper lip shaper 50 such that during use of the device upper lipstructure is shaped by the contouring element 62. The contouring elementmay be configured, for example, to lift the upper lip and shorten thephiltrum 31 (FIG. 2B). The contouring element 62 may be configured asmore clearly shown in FIG. 6.

The lip shaper assembly 16 also includes a lower lip shaper (52 a or 52b) for shaping and contouring of the lower lip. Coupled to either typeof lower lip shaper and positioned between the upper and lower lipshapers upon assembly is a central platform 70. The central platform isused to separate the upper and lower lips during use of the lipenhancement and enlargement device. The central platform 70 alsocontours an underside portion of the lower lip which is pressed againstthe platform such that grooves and/or pits in the lower lip are lessvisible after use of a lip enhancement and enlargement device. Thecentral platform 70 may also be provided with a slotted area 72 whichreduces the suction in the upper cavity 82. This will further preventthe development of a “ducky” upper lip.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show two types of lower lip shapers 52 a, 52 b, whichmay be included in a lip shaper assembly. A first type of lower lipshaper 52 a may be used for development of a fuller unitary lower liplobe after use of the lip enhancement and enlargement device. This typeof lower lip shaper may also include an extension 74, which preventspulling of the lower lip into the suction element. A second type of lipshaper 52 b includes a creaser element 76 for development of a crease onthe lower lip such that the lower lip appears to have two fuller liplobes after use of the device 100. The creaser element 76 is preferablyan elongated element that couples to the underside of the centralplatform 70. The creaser element 76 may also be adjustable and/ordeformable such that the positioning of the crease may be positionedaccording to user preference. For example, the creaser element can bemoved forward, backward, tilted forward or backward.

Each type of lip shaper includes one or more radiused edges 78, whichalso help to alleviate marks, indentations, and/or bruising, which mayoccur during use of a lip enhancement and enlargement device. Theseedges may also be formed to substantially fit a mark prevention element40.

When assembled the upper lip shaper 50, the lower lip shaper (52 a or 52b), and the central platform 70 form the lip shaper assembly 16 suchthat one or more cavities 82, 84 are may be used for placement of auser's lips. However, in certain situations a user may only want toenhance either the upper or the lower lip. For example, a male user,having a moustache would not necessarily have a need to use a lipenhancement and enlargement device to shape and contour upper lipstructure. In this type of situation, a blocker element 80 may beinserted into either the upper cavity 82 or lower cavity 84, as shown inFIGS. 4B, 4C, 5B, and 5C. The blocker element 80 is shaped to fit theupper and lower cavities. Where the lip enhancement and enlargementdevice include the lower lip shaper 52 b, the blocker element isprovided with a groove or channel 81 (FIG. 5C) for positioning aroundthe creaser element 76. Preferably, the blocker element isinterchangeable (i.e. its positioning may be reversed) and made from aflexible elastomeric materials. Preferred materials include those havinga durometer ranging from 40 to 70, Shore A.

FIG. 10 shows one configuration of a kit 300 for lip enhancement andenlargement, which includes a package 302, a suction element 14, anupper lip shaper 50, a first type of lower lip shaper 52 a, a secondtype of lower lip shaper 52 b, a retainer element 38, a mark preventionelement 40, and a cover 42. Each of these elements is enclosed by thepackage 302. The kit 300 may also include one or more cosmetics 304,such as lip balms, lip plumpers, lip stain, lipstick, gel-basedcosmetics and/or lip gloss, which may be applied after using the device.Although shown disassembled for illustrative clarity, it should beappreciated that the kit 300 may include at least some parts in anassembled configuration. Likewise, some parts may be omitted, andomitted parts provided as separate components or in supplemental kits,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

All features and components included in the lip shapers and lip shaperassemblies disclosed herein may be adjusted and/or deformed such that auser may manipulate the device to yield a desired lip shape. Forexample, one or more contouring elements may be included in a lower lipshaper and/or a creaser element may be included in an upper lip shapers.A lip enhancement and enlargement device may also include an upper orlower lip shaper alone. This latter configuration would be particularlyuseful for persons having moustaches that would not want negativepressure apply to an upper lip. As such, the configurations shown inFIGS. 1-10 or elsewhere herein should not be construed as limitingpractice of the innovative concepts herein to the illustrated anddescribed embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are merelyrepresentative configurations, which may be altered by one of ordinaryskill without departing from the innovative concepts of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate selected operations in a method for lipenhancement and enlargement, which may include the method 200illustrated in FIG. 12. Such methods may include various steps, whichdepend, in part, upon the type and extent of lip shaping and contouringdesired by a user. Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C and 12, an initial stepmay include preparing a user's lips 201 for entry into the device 10,100. The user may pucker the lips and press the lips together tofacilitation insertion of the lips into the device. A suction element ofthe lip plumping device 10, 100 may be positioned about 1-inch to about2-inches away from the user's lips 202 and then activated (FIG. 11B) 204to prepare the device for applying a partial vacuum to lip tissue 20 andlip structure 22. Where the suction element comprises a resilientbladder manufactured from one or more elastomeric materials, forexample, activation may be initiated by applying force to an outersurface of the suction element 206 to drive air out of a resilientbladder. The user may perform one or more operations for applying a lipenhancement and enlargement device having a lip shaper assembly coupledto a suction element to a face. The user may insert his or her into thedevice 208 and then hold the device in place for approximately two tofour minutes 210. Enough of a partial vacuum should be created withinthe device such that a substantial seal is created 212 around thesurrounding lip area 18, allowing the device to be held onto lipstructure 22 without user assistance (FIG. 11C). Afterwards, the usermay break the seal 214, by placement of a finger or other element at arim of the device or slowing and gentle moving the device away from thelip structure. These steps may then be repeated for additional lipenhancement, enlargement, shaping, and contouring 216. Optionally, afteruse a cosmetic, e.g. a lip balm, gloss, or chemical-based lip plumpermay be applied 218.

The foregoing method 200 may, in an alternative, be described as a lipenhancement and enlargement method, including an operation of applying alip enhancement and enlargement device having a lip shaper assemblycoupled to a suction element to a face. The method may further includecreating a seal between the lip shaper and the face around a surroundinglip area, wherein the lip shaper assembly is configured to enableselective blocking of suction to any selected one of an upper lip or alower lip. The method may further include applying suction to a selectedone of the upper lip, lower lip, or both lips using the suction elementand maintaining the vacuum for a period of time.

The innovative devices, including the lip shaper and blocker components,described herein may be used to select one of the upper lip, lower lip,or both lips for plumping. For example, a user may remove the blocker(80, FIG. 5B) from the lip shaper (16, FIG. 5B) to select both lips forplumping. In an alternative, the blocker 80 may be positioned in theupper part of the shaper 16 to select the lower lip only for plumping,or in the lower part of the shaper 16 to select the upper lip only forplumping (See, e.g., FIG. 5C). Thus, the method may include placing asuction blocking piece into one of an upper portion or lower portion ofthe lip shaper.

Similarly, a user may control whether or not to apply a lip creasingelement by selecting one of a creaseless type of lower lip shaper 52 aor a creasing type of lower lip shaper 52 b as shown in FIG. 10 andelsewhere in the specification. Thus, the method may include contouringthe selected one of the upper lip, lower lip, or both lips using acreaser element or creasing member coupled to the lip shaper. An exampleof a creasing member is pointed out in FIG. 5A at 76.

The lip enhancement and enlargement method may further include breakingthe seal from the surrounding lip area after the period of time iselapsed as previously described. The method may further include removingthe lip enhancement and enlargement device from the surrounding liparea, inspecting the lips and reapplying the foregoing steps if furtherenlargement is desired and no bruising or other tissue damage isobserved from the application of suction.

As shown and described herein, applying suction may include compressinga resilient bladder to evacuate air, and then releasing compression ofthe bladder. This method may enable users to receive a tactile feel tothe degree of suction being applied, as well as enable an aestheticallypleasing configuration of the bladder and lip enhancement andenlargement device. In other embodiments, other methods for applyingsuction may be used, for example using a small electric pump to evacuateair from a suction chamber, using a manually operated sliding piston andcylinder, or other method.

EXAMPLES

The following examples show users before and after use of the lipenhancement and enlargement devices disclosed herein. In these cases,results have been shown to last approximately one and one-half hours totwo hours.

FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively, show before and after front view of thelips of a Female, Age: 29, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes. Afterwards, alip enhancement and enlargement device 100 shown in FIG. 5A was appliedfor approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 15, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 15A and 15B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 15, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 16A and 16B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 17, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately three minutes.

FIGS. 17A and 17B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 19, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 18A and 18B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 20, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 19A and 19B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 29, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 20A and 20B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 20, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 21A and 21B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 42, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 22A and 22B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes. Afterwards, alip enhancement and enlargement device 100 shown in FIG. 5A was appliedfor approximately four minutes.

FIGS. 23A and 23B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 55, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 24A and 24B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 18, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 25A and 25B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 28, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 26A and 26B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 10 shown in FIG. 4B for approximately two minutes, where ablocker element was inserted into the upper lip shaper cavity.

FIGS. 27A and 27B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 45, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately two minutes.

FIGS. 28A and 28B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Male, Age: 70, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately three minutes.

FIGS. 29A and 29B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5B for approximately 4 minutes, where a blockerelement was inserted into the upper lip shaper cavity.

FIGS. 30A and 30B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 4B for approximately 4 minutes, where a blockerelement was inserted into the lower lip shaper cavity.

FIGS. 31A and 31B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 5A for approximately 6 minutes.

FIGS. 32A and 32B respectively, show before and after front views of thelips of a Female, Age: 44, who applied a lip enhancement and enlargementdevice 100 shown in FIG. 4B for approximately 4 minutes, where a blockerelement was inserted into the upper lip shaper cavity.

Accordingly, lip enhancement and enlargement devices, kits, and methodsare disclosed. While certain embodiments illustrating the presenttechnology have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that many more modifications are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. All examplespresented are representative and non-limiting. The invention, therefore,is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mouthpiece for a lip enhancement andenlargement device, the mouthpiece comprising: at least one lip shaperhaving a distal portion configured for coupling to a suction element,wherein the lip shaper comprises an upper lip shaper and a lower lipshaper and a blade-shaped central platform dividing the lip shaperbetween the upper lip shaper and the lower lip shaper, wherein anexposed narrow edge of the central platform is oriented towards andpositioned proximal to an operative end of the lip shaper and away fromthe distal portion, and the blade-shaped central platform is recessedbelow an outermost rim around the operative end of the lip shaperpositioned for separating upper and lower lips of a user during use. 2.The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the outermost rim is elliptical andconfigured for suction engagement around a user's lips.
 3. Themouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising a soft elastomeric padpositioned around the outermost rim, for preventing the rim from markingthe user's lips.
 4. The mouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising a rearwall partially dividing one of the lower lip shaper and upper lip shaperfrom the distal portion of the lip shaper.
 5. The mouthpiece of claim 1,wherein the outermost rim is circular.
 6. The mouthpiece of claim 1,further comprising a bar extending perpendicularly from the centralplatform to an interior wall of the lip shaper, for providing a creasein one of an upper or lower lip when suction is applied.
 7. A mouthpiecefor a lip enhancement and enlargement device, the mouthpiece comprising:at least one lip shaper having a distal portion configured for couplingto a suction element, wherein the lip shaper comprises an upper lipshaper and a lower lip shaper and a blade-shaped central platformdividing the lip shaper between the upper lip shaper and the lower lipshaper, wherein a narrow edge of the central platform is orientedtowards an operative end of the lip shaper and away from the distalportion; and a creaser element extending transversely from the centralplatform to an interior wall of the lip shaper.
 8. The mouthpiece ofclaim 7, wherein the creaser element is adjustable as to at least one ofposition or orientation.
 9. A lip enhancement and enlargement device,comprising: a suction element; a lip shaper coupled to the suctionelement, the lip shaper comprising an upper lip shaper and a lower lipshaper; and a blade-shaped central platform dividing the lip shaperbetween the upper lip shaper and the lower lip shaper, wherein anexposed narrow edge of the central platform is oriented towards andpositioned proximal to an operative end of the lip shaper and away fromthe suction element, and the blade-shaped central platform is recessedbelow an outermost rim around the operative end of the lip shaperpositioned for separating upper and lower lips of a user during use. 10.The device of claim 9, wherein the lip shaper is positioned within anopening defined in the suction element.
 11. The device of claim 9,further comprising a cover that couples with the lip enhancement andenlargement device and covers the lip shaper when not in use.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, wherein the cover comprises at least one tang thatcouples with the lip shaper assembly.
 13. The device of claim 9, whereinthe suction element comprises one or more elastomeric materials.
 14. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the suction element comprises a resilientbladder resembling a fruit and an ornamental element resembling a stemof the fruit positioned on the resilient bladder.
 15. The device ofclaim 9, further comprising a bar extending perpendicularly from thecentral platform to an interior wall of the lip shaper, for providing acrease in one of an upper or lower lip when suction is applied.
 16. Alip enhancement and enlargement device, comprising: a suction element; alip shaper coupled to the suction element, the lip shaper comprising anupper lip shaper and a lower lip shaper; and a blade-shaped centralplatform dividing the lip shaper between the upper lip shaper and thelower lip shaper, wherein a narrow edge of the central platform isoriented towards an operative end of the lip shaper and away from thesuction element, wherein the lower lip shaper comprises a creaserelement extending between the central platform and an interior wall ofthe lip shaper.
 17. A lip enhancement and enlargement method,comprising: applying a lip enhancement and enlargement device having alip shaper assembly coupled to a suction element to a face, wherein thelip shaper assembly comprises an upper lip shaper and a lower lip shaperand a divider spanning an interior wall of the lip shaper assemblybetween the upper lip shaper and the lower lip shaper; creating a sealbetween the lip shaper assembly and the face around a surrounding liparea; applying suction to at least one of upper and lower lips using thesuction element; and breaking the seal from the surrounding lip areaafter the period of time is elapsed.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe lip shaper assembly is configured to enable selective blocking ofsuction to any selected one of an upper lip or a lower lip.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein applying the suction comprises compressing aresilient bladder to evacuate air, and then releasing compression of thebladder.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing asuction blocking piece into one of an upper portion or lower portion ofthe lip shaper assembly.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprisingcontouring the selected one of the upper lip, lower lip, or both lipsusing a creasing member coupled to the lip shaper assembly.